Sacré Coeur Basilica in Paris

The Sacré-Cœur Basilica, a stunning white basilica located at the highest point in Paris, is one of the city's most iconic landmarks. Here are some fun facts about the Sacré-Cœur Basilica.
Sacré Coeur Basilica in Paris
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The Sacré-Cœur Basilica, also known as the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris, is situated at the summit of Montmartre, the highest point in the city.

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Construction of the basilica began in 1875 and was completed in 1914, but it was not consecrated until after World War I in 1919.

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The basilica was designed by architect Paul Abadie, who won a competition to design the new basilica, and features a Romano-Byzantine architectural style.

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The basilica's distinctive white appearance comes from the Château-Landon stone, which whitens with age and exposure to water.

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The dome of Sacré-Cœur offers one of the most spectacular panoramic views of Paris, stretching up to 30 kilometers (18 miles) on a clear day.

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The basilica houses one of the world's largest mosaics, the 'Christ in Majesty,' which covers the apse ceiling and depicts the risen Christ with outstretched arms.

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Sacré-Cœur is open 24 hours a day, and since 1885, the basilica has maintained a continuous prayer vigil, with someone praying at all times.

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The basilica's bell, known as the Savoyarde, is one of the heaviest in the world, weighing about 19 tons and cast in 1895 in Annecy, France.

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Sacré-Cœur was built as a symbol of hope and reconciliation after the Franco-Prussian War and the Paris Commune, serving as a penance for the suffering caused during these conflicts.

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The basilica's interior is adorned with beautiful stained glass windows, although many were destroyed during World War II and later replaced.

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The crypt of Sacré-Cœur contains statues, relics, and an exhibition on the history of the basilica and the Montmartre area.

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Montmartre, the neighborhood surrounding Sacré-Cœur, has long been associated with artists and bohemians, and the area remains a vibrant cultural hub.

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The basilica attracts millions of visitors each year, making it one of the most visited sites in Paris.

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The exterior of Sacré-Cœur features several bronze statues, including those of Saint Louis and Joan of Arc on horseback.

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The basilica's construction was funded entirely by private donations from Parisians and Catholics from around the world, demonstrating its significance to the community.

Louvre

The Louvre, the world's largest art museum and a historic monument in Paris, France, is renowned for its vast collection of art and its iconic glass pyramid. Here are some fun facts about the Louvre:
Louvre
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The Louvre was originally built as a fortress in 1190 by King Philip II to protect Paris from potential invaders.

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It was transformed into a royal palace in the 16th century by King Francis I, who also began the museum's art collection by acquiring several notable works, including the Mona Lisa.

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The Louvre was opened as a public museum in 1793 during the French Revolution, with an initial collection of 537 paintings.

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The museum's glass pyramid entrance, designed by architect I. M. Pei, was inaugurated in 1989 and serves as a modern contrast to the historic architecture of the Louvre.

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The Louvre's collection spans over 9,000 years of history and includes approximately 38,000 objects, from ancient artifacts to modern art.

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The museum is home to some of the most famous artworks in the world, including the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace.

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The Louvre covers an area of 782,910 square feet (72,735 square meters), making it the largest art museum in the world.

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It is estimated that it would take a visitor about 100 days to see every piece of art in the Louvre if they spent 30 seconds looking at each one.

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The Louvre receives nearly 10 million visitors annually, making it the most visited museum in the world.

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The museum is divided into eight departments: Near Eastern Antiquities, Egyptian Antiquities, Greek, Etruscan and Roman Antiquities, Islamic Art, Sculptures, Decorative Arts, Paintings, and Prints and Drawings.

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The Louvre has been featured in numerous films, books, and artworks, further cementing its status as a cultural icon.

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The museum's underground shopping mall, Carrousel du Louvre, includes shops, restaurants, and an inverted glass pyramid.

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The Louvre's extensive collection of Egyptian antiquities includes the Great Sphinx of Tanis, a large granite statue dating back to the Old Kingdom.

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Napoleon Bonaparte expanded the museum's collection significantly during his reign, acquiring numerous pieces from his military campaigns.

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The Louvre has undergone several expansions and renovations throughout its history, with the most recent being the opening of the Louvre Abu Dhabi in 2017, a collaboration between France and the United Arab Emirates.

Armenia

Armenia, a landlocked country in the South Caucasus region, is steeped in ancient history, rich culture, and stunning landscapes. Known as the first country to adopt Christianity as its state religion, Armenia offers a unique blend of historical landmarks and natural beauty. Here are 15 fun facts about Armenia that highlight its fascinating culture, history, and traditions.
Armenia - Ash Haghighi
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Armenia was the first country in the world to adopt Christianity as its state religion, which it did in 301 AD.

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The Armenian alphabet, created in 405 AD by Saint Mesrop Mashtots, is unique and consists of 39 letters.

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Armenia is home to Mount Ararat, a symbol of national identity, which is traditionally believed to be the resting place of Noah's Ark.

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Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, founded in 782 BC.

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The country is famous for its ancient monasteries, including the UNESCO-listed Geghard Monastery and the iconic Khor Virap Monastery.

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Armenia is known for its traditional music, which includes the use of the duduk, a woodwind instrument that is a UNESCO-recognized cultural heritage.

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The country has a rich tradition of winemaking, with evidence of wine production in the region dating back over 6,000 years.

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The Armenian Genocide Memorial in Yerevan is a significant site, commemorating the victims of the 1915 genocide.

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Armenia is a mountainous country, with over 90% of its territory lying above 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) above sea level.

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The apricot is considered the national fruit of Armenia, and the country is often referred to as the 'Land of Apricots.'

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The Armenian Apostolic Church is one of the oldest Christian denominations in the world.

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Armenia has a strong tradition of chess, with the game being a compulsory subject in schools since 2011.

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The country is home to the world's oldest known leather shoe, which was discovered in a cave in 2008 and is over 5,500 years old.

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The Armenian language is part of its own unique branch of the Indo-European language family, distinct from other languages in the region.

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Lake Sevan, located in Armenia, is one of the largest freshwater high-altitude lakes in the world and a popular destination for both locals and tourists.